Hashem’s Reassurance To Moshe

Parshat Va’era begins with a conversation between Moshe Rabbeinu and Hashem, where Moshe needed assurances as to how the redemption from Egypt was to transpire.

He understood that the Hashem can act with His attribute of mercy, known as רחמים, or He would act with the attribute of judgement, known as דין.

We see this expressed when different names of Hashem were used. The name spelled and pronounced as “A-d-o-n-a-i” reflects the attribute of mercy. The name, “Elokim” reflected the attribute of judgement.

Moshe was confused because his first visit with Pharoah didn’t go very well. The Jewish slaves had to work even harder by gathering straw to make their bricks.

Hashem needed to set the record straight by simply saying, אני ה׳, “I will act as the G-d of mercy.” He reminded Moshe of his covenant with the Patriarchs, Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yakov. And he reminded him that He heard the cries of His people.

He then gave Moshe the four promises of redemption and how the Jews would be taken out with “a strong hand and outstretched arm.”

This dialogue is meant to serve as a personal reminder to all of us. We are often faced with challenges and difficulties that might seem insurmountable. We must not forget that if we reach out to Hashem in sincere prayer, we will be answered. He is the “G-d of mercy” who will answer us when we call out to Him in truth and humility.